☀️ Today’s Weather
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 — Overcast. High 68°F, Low 40°F. 0% chance of rain.
😄 Joke of the Day
A tourist walks into a Johnson City coffee shop and asks the barista, “Is it always this hilly around here?” The barista smiles and says, “Only the flat parts.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: New York Times bestselling author Ron Rash is headlining ETSU’s Spring Literary Festival in April 2026. Rash is a three-time winner of a prestigious short fiction award — what is that award, and how many books has he published?
Answer: Ron Rash is a three-time O. Henry Prize winner, and his body of work spans 21 books, published in 21 countries and translated into 17 languages.
🔝 Top Stories
WCSO Behavioral Health Program Continues to Make Strides
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office behavioral health program, implemented at the detention center two years ago, is continuing to show meaningful results for inmates in need of mental health services. The program was implemented into the detention center in partnership with Frontier Health and is fully funded by opioid settlement money received by Washington County. The initiative pairs deputies with behavioral health professionals to evaluate and assist inmates, and also helps connect them with services upon release.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Acclaimed Author Ron Rash to Headline ETSU Literary Festival
East Tennessee State University is bringing Ron Rash to Johnson City to headline the Bert C. Bach Written Word Initiative’s Spring Literary Festival. The festival is free and open to the public, running April 21–22, with Rash giving a keynote address and reading from his work in ETSU’s Bud Frank Theatre at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. Rash headlines a festival that also brings together nationally recognized writers including award-winning poets Nickole Brown and Rose McLarney, and novelist Juan Martinez.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Swim Coach Urges School Board to Maintain Pressure After Freedom Hall Pool Closure
In the aftermath of Freedom Hall Pool’s permanent closure, a local swim coach is calling on the Johnson City Board of Education to keep pressing the City Commission for a long-term solution for competitive swimmers and the broader community. The closure has left student-athletes and recreational swimmers without a facility, and advocates say the need for a replacement pool remains urgent. Discussions between city and school officials are expected to continue.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Rep. Hill Says COPA Removal Bill Will Encourage Health Care Competition
State Representative Hill is speaking out in support of legislation to remove Ballad Health’s Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA), arguing the move would open the door to greater competition in the regional healthcare market. The bill has been a subject of intense debate among lawmakers, health policy experts, and community members who rely on Ballad as the dominant health system in the Tri-Cities. The Tennessee House previously passed the bill with an amendment, and the debate over Ballad’s regulatory protections continues at the state level.
Washington Co. BOE Calls Emergency Meeting Over School Board Member’s Comments
The Washington County Board of Education has called an emergency meeting in response to controversy surrounding comments made by a school board member toward a student. The incident drew significant community outrage, with parents and residents speaking out publicly. The emergency session signals the seriousness with which board leadership is treating the matter.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Puppets, Stilt Walkers & Chalk Artists Heading to Founders Park This Month
Founders Park in downtown Johnson City is set to come alive with a vibrant street arts experience this month, featuring puppets, stilt walkers, and chalk artists. The event promises family-friendly entertainment and is part of ongoing efforts to activate the downtown public space with creative programming. Residents are encouraged to check local listings for specific dates and times.
Read more at Johnson City Press
WCFRW Introduces Republican Candidates for Upcoming May Primary
The Washington County Federation of Republican Women recently hosted an event introducing Republican candidates who will appear on the ballot in the upcoming May primary election. The event gave candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to engaged local voters ahead of the primary. Residents interested in learning more about who is running are encouraged to follow local coverage as the election approaches.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Good Samaritan Ministries Hosts Free Eye Clinic
Good Samaritan Ministries recently hosted a free eye clinic for community members in the Johnson City area, providing vision care services at no cost to those in need. Events like this highlight the important role local nonprofits play in addressing healthcare access gaps in the region. Details on future clinic dates can be found by contacting Good Samaritan Ministries directly.
🏪 Local Business Spotlight
Frazier Plumbing
Frazier Plumbing has been keeping Tri-Cities homes and businesses flowing since 1980. Family-owned and locally operated, they handle everything from clogged drains and leaky pipes to water heater replacements and full remodel plumbing — plus 24/7 emergency service when things go sideways at the worst possible time. Licensed, experienced, and rooted in the community for over 40 years.
frazierplumbingtn.com | (423) 530-3538
📅 Upcoming Events
🎷 Johnson City Jazz Festival — April 16–19, 2026
The festival features more than half a dozen regional ensembles in curated sets and improvisational jam sessions at Capone’s in Downtown Johnson City — this event is free, but tips for performers are encouraged. On Friday, April 17, festivities transition to the ETSU Martin Center’s Powell Recital Hall, featuring Moon Unit (a sophisticated guitar trio from Durham) followed by acclaimed New York jazz vocalist Emma Hedrick and her Quintet. The series continues at Powell Recital Hall on Saturday, April 18 with performances by the Knoxville-based Vance Thompson Quintet and the Steve LaSpina Quintet of Asheville. The festival concludes on Sunday, April 19 at the Jackson Theater in Jonesborough, featuring the ETSU Jazz Ensemble under Martin Walters and the Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra led by Eddie Dalton.
More info at johnsoncityjazzfestival.com
🍺 Thirsty Orange Beer Festival 2026 — Saturday, April 18, 2026
The Thirsty Orange Beer Festival returns on Saturday, April 18, 2026 for a full day of sampling 150+ craft beers, ciders, and meads from breweries across the region. The event runs from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Founder’s Park, 225 Commerce Street, Johnson City, TN 37604. This is a 21+ event; valid ID required. Premium Access ticket holders may enter at 1:00 PM; General Admission begins at 2:00 PM.
More info at thirstyorange.com
🎨 Art·Struck Festival — Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Art·Struck Festival brings together artists and arts organizations to celebrate and support the arts community, offering high-quality artwork for sale to the public, plus arts demonstrations and activities for all ages. Bring the whole family for hands-on activities and live art demos, enjoy food trucks by the Founders Park amphitheater, and learn more about local arts programs and organizations. Visit jcpublicart.com for more information.
📚 ETSU Spring Literary Festival — April 21–22, 2026
New York Times bestselling author Ron Rash will headline this year’s Spring Literary Festival at East Tennessee State University — the festival is free and open to the public, running April 21–22. Rash will give a keynote address and reading from his work in ETSU’s Bud Frank Theatre at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. The festival also brings together award-winning poets Nickole Brown and Rose McLarney, and novelist Juan Martinez. A full schedule is available at etsu.edu.
🎵 NewFound Roads 25th Anniversary Tour — Friday, April 10, 2026 | 8:00 PM
NewFound Roads 25th Anniversary Tour, presented by Hopeless Holler Trading Co., is happening on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 8:00 PM onwards at The Down Home, Johnson City. Visit The Down Home’s website for tickets and additional details.
🚂 Mother’s Day Express — Saturday, May 9, 2026
Celebrate Mom with a special excursion hosted by the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. Depart Johnson City by motor coach to Knoxville, board the Three Rivers Rambler steam engine for a scenic journey through the city, then enjoy a Mother’s Day lunch cruise aboard the Star of Knoxville paddlewheel riverboat on the Tennessee River.
For more information contact the Johnson City Railroad Experience at 423-631-5273.